Finding Joy: Does it Really Matter?
Lately, it seems like everyone is talking about joy—its importance, how it can transform our lives, and why we should seek it out. But what does it really mean to find joy? How do we identify what truly brings us happiness and eliminate what doesn’t? For me, the path to joy started when I made the life-changing decision to leave my 25-year professional career in engineering and consulting. At 45, I took a leap of faith, stepping away from a career and diving into the world of skincare with Mona Moon Naturals. Was it scary? Absolutely. Was it worth it? Without a doubt. My joy had faded in my professional life , but it reignited when I began creating healthy, all-natural products in response to my sister’s breast cancer diagnosis. (Read our story.) What started as a small gig blossomed into something that brings me immense fulfillment every day.
A solo trip on Tron Lightcyle Run in Magic Kingdom. (I'm a roller coaster junky.)
The Importance of Joy in Life
Joy isn’t just a fleeting emotion; it’s a vital component of a well-lived life. It’s what gives us energy, purpose, and the ability to navigate challenges with a positive mindset. When we are joyful, we’re more resilient, creative, and connected to the people and activities that matter most. Joy can be a guiding force, helping us make decisions that align with our true selves and leading us to a life filled with meaning and satisfaction.
How to Find and Cultivate Joy
Identifying What Brings You Joy: So, how do we actually find joy? The first step is identifying what truly lights you up. Reflect on the moments when you feel most alive, most yourself. Is it when you’re spending time with loved ones, creating something with your hands, or simply enjoying nature? For me, joy comes from the satisfaction of creating products that I know are making a positive impact on people’s lives (view products), and from spending quality time with my family.
Avoiding What Doesn’t Bring You Joy: Once you’ve identified what brings you joy, it’s just as important to recognize what doesn’t—and then set boundaries to protect your happiness. This might mean saying no to activities, people, or even career paths that drain your energy. It could involve making time for self-care or re-evaluating how you spend your days. For me, it meant leaving a career that no longer fulfilled me and focusing on something that did.
Increasing Joyful Moments: Now that you know what brings you joy, how can you make it a bigger part of your life? Start by intentionally carving out time for those activities. Prioritize them in your schedule, and let them be non-negotiable. Whether it’s planning regular family outings, dedicating time to a hobby, or, in my case, ensuring I’m fully present with my children—make it a point to increase these joyful moments.
My son and I on Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is, an indoor roller coaster located at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Living My Joy: From Mona Moon to Roller Coasters
My journey to joy didn’t stop at creating Mona Moon Naturals. I also make it a priority to spend quality time with my children, which is one of the greatest sources of joy in my life. Recently, I took a trip to Florida to visit my son, who’s participating in the Disney College Program. Being a roller coaster junkie, I couldn’t resist hopping on a few rides solo—though my son did join me for one. These moments, filled with laughter and shared experiences, are what bring me true happiness.
Create a "non-negotiable" list of what brings you joy and what you must have in your life.
Worth the Effort
Finding joy isn’t always easy, and it often requires taking risks, setting boundaries, and making deliberate choices. But when you do, the rewards are immeasurable. Whether it’s through a career change, spending time with loved ones, or simply indulging in your passions, joy is out there waiting to be found. And when you find it, life becomes not just something to be lived, but something to be cherished.
*At Mona Moon Naturals, a portion of our profits is donated to cancer organizations, reflecting our dedication to making a positive impact .
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